‘Who cares if multiple women were traumatised?’ : Chinmayi lashes out at Rajinikanth & Kamal Haasan

Singer Chinmayi Sripada has strongly criticised the Tamil film industry and senior actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan after lyricist Vairamuthu was awarded the Jnanpith, recalling 2018 sexual misconduct allegations and highlighting how women who spoke out were silenced.

Chinmayi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disapproval over Vairamuthu’s award, emphasising that in 2018, multiple women—including herself—publicly accused the lyricist of sexual misconduct. She wrote: "In 2018, multiple women of different age groups named one Poet – Lyricist as their molester. Today the Jnanpith is awarded to the man… The collective voices of the women who named him were silenced. I paid a very heavy price – the rest of the women who left their dreams behind weren’t half as lucky as I."

In another post, she highlighted the lack of accountability in the Tamil industry, comparing the protection of alleged abusers to the Epstein case in the US: "Powerful men in politics publicly praising a man named by 17 women? Stop doing drama about Epstein files then… India must have its own Epstein list and you all will come out to protect your own."

Chinmayi openly called out Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for congratulating Vairamuthu, arguing that men in positions of power, even those transitioning to politics, often protect their “bros, uncles, dads, friends, mentors,” regardless of allegations against them.

She wrote:

"End of the day, men WILL stand by their bros, uncles, dads, friends, mentors. Who cares if multiple women were traumatised?"

Legal action and public reporting

Chinmayi has clarified that she took legal steps to address the allegations. In 2019, she formally registered a complaint against Vairamuthu with the National Council for Women (NCW) and sought assistance to bring the matter to a conclusion. She has repeatedly highlighted that the Tamil industry largely ignored these complaints, producing reports that downplayed harassment rather than addressing it.

Personal cost and industry backlash

Chinmayi’s outspokenness came at significant personal and professional cost. After endorsing women who accused senior industry figures like Radha Ravi, she was removed from the South Indian Cine, Television Artistes and Dubbing Artistes Union (SICTADAU).

Despite speaking the truth, she was effectively ostracised, while the accused men continued to enjoy respect, influence, and public reverence. Her experience reflects a recurring pattern in Kollywood, where women who report misconduct often face retaliation, while powerful men maintain status and impunity.

Background on Vairamuthu and the Jnanpith Award

R. Vairamuthu, born on 13 July 1953, is one of Tamil literature’s most prominent lyricists. He has received multiple honours for his contributions, including the recent Jnanpith Award.

The decision to award him has sparked criticism due to past sexual misconduct allegations, raising questions about accountability in the literary and film industries.

The 2018 #MeToo movement revealed widespread sexual abuse in various industries, including Tamil cinema. Chinmayi was among the first to speak out, yet faced ostracisation, while several accused men continued their careers without facing consequences.

Her recent posts have reignited debates over gender bias, systemic power structures, and the risks women face when exposing misconduct in both cinema and literature.